Herniated C5 and C6 with spinal cord compression - severe?

Question:

Can I do strenouous exercise or sports or not? I get mixed answers. If the MRI says "severe" disc herniation and spinal cord swelling and compression" what do you think?

Answers:
i am a chiropractor and specialize in spine related injuries. the disc acts as both a cushion and a spacer between each vertebrae. if a disc is bulging/herniated, that bulge can put pressure on the nerves exiting between each vertebra which causes a "pinched nerve." also if the disc is wearing out (getting thinner) you lose the space between the vertebra, which leaves less room for those nerves to exit--and again can pinch a nerve. the nerves in your cervical spine (neck) go all the way down your arm while the nerves in your lumbar spine (low back) form the sciatic nerve which runs all the way down your leg. if any of these are "pinched" they can cause pain, numbess, tingling, weakness wherever these nerves go (down arms/legs).

as a chiropractor i see this type of scenario on a daily basis. for those who have degenerative disc disease, disc herniation, disc bulging, etc.--normal chiropractic care can usually help with those problems. but there are also many people out there that have had this problem for many years and can't find relief with anything they try--including chiropractic.

but now there is a treatment that is perfect for your situation and the best part is: it's non-surgical and non-invasive. if you haven't heard of it yet it is called spinal decompression. this type of treatment focuses on disc injuries and the problems they cause. i use the DRX9000 spinal decompression system in my office and it works wonders for people with these types of injuries (approx. 90% successful). the DRX9000 is fda approved and is the best decompression system available (there are cheap knock-offs that don't give the same results).

my recommendation would be to see a chiro, especially if you've never tried it before-just to see what they have to say. also do some research on this treatment and then contact someone (usually a chiro) who uses it in their office. i would just google "DRX9000" to find info on it and doctors in your area who may have it. this treament is able to encourage the disc to go back to it's normal orientation and also rebuild its height--which then takes the pressure off whatever nerve it is compressing. pain meds, cortisone shots, epidurals won't do anything to solve the problem--all they do is cover it up and they become less and less effective over time. surgery AT BEST is 50% successful and usually doesn't solve the problem since most people need another surgery 5-10 years down the road for the same issue. it's typically a viscious cycle. remember: surgery is always an option, so try something prior to surgery to see if you can avoid it--cause once you do the surgery there is no going back.

this treatment is extremely effective for degenerative disc disease, disc bulging, herniation, etc. and also sciatica type of cases, especially if you haven't had surgery yet. i've had many patients who were scheduled for surgery, tried this treatment as a last resort, and then ended up cancelling their surgery altogether after treatment was completed. it really does work and that's what my recommendation would be for you. good luck and hopefully this gives insight to others experiencing similar problems--there is a solution!

I would think not. It sounds like a pretty serious injury

Are you symptomatic? You would probably benefit from surgery. Get the problem taken care of. (likely anterior cervical discectomy and fusion)

I imagine that strenuous exercise will only make the problem worse.

I think with all the problems that you have, you shouldn't be doing any kind of strenuous exercise or sport until you received the okey from your doctor and you get better.with all the swelling and pain you can do much. only your body will tell how farther you can go.good luck, and get well soon. hezeleye52

I think you are lucky to be walking around. If you want to continue to walk I wouldn't do any sports or strenuous activity and I would be seeking a very good neurosurgeon!

:o)
Jerry

i would not do anything that i wouldn't have to. if you blow it out, then you WILL be in major pain and have numbness. i know, all i did to blow mine out was sneeze real hard, so its very easy to do. goto a good neurosurgeon, get referred by your family doctor, and only accept the best. this isn't a easy decision, but see what a neuro says. more than likely they will suggest surgery. this isn't something to be taken lightly. good luck to you.

I think your doctor would provide you with a better and certainly safer answer.

Whenever a disc is causing cord compression, this is a potentially serious situation which could lead to weakness, spasticity and possible permanent spinal cord damage. While I've yet to hear of someone who has become compeletly paralyzed from a herniated disc, I've seen many cases of permanent foot drop or leg weakess requiring the use of an orthosis (a leg brace) in order for the person to walk normally.

Strenous exercise could increase the swelling and potentially increase the size of the herniation. Even if surgery is not needed, I suggest you ask this very serious question to a neurosurgeon regarding the suggested level of activity.

Herniated C5 and C6 with spinal cord compression - severe?

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